Steps to turn stress into success

By Brian Maynor

 

When we’re stressed out our emotions run high and our productivity can suffer, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

Stress can actually be a very positive force in our life.  It can show us things that are missing; be a catalyst for change, and lead us to a more relaxed, calm and satisfied life; if we know how to manage it.

In fact, we can use stress to help us live the life we want instead of settling for what life throws at us.

Here are some steps we can all use to turn stress into success in every facet of our lives:

1.   Accept it.  So often we spend our time trying to avoid stress and stressful situation, when in reality we need to accept it before we can ever hope to manage it.  Acceptance is always the first step in managing any life issue, because that gives us the space to acknowledge and own our emotions attached to it.  When we avoid things we get stuck in a vicious cycle of self-sabotage and denial, and lose the possibility of a positive outcome.

2.    Be proactive.  Stress if usually seen as something outside of our control, and that may be true, but how we react to it is entirely within our control.  According to Maslow’s hierarchy there are four real causes of stress in our lives:  safety threats like work pressure, financial freedom and our health; love and belonging threats; self-esteem threats and self-actualization threats, and the only way we can deal with them is to be proactive.  When we assume an active role in changing the cause of our stress, we reduce the stress.

3.    Focus on our “Circle of Influence”.  In other words, put our energy into the things we can control.  This mental shift empowers us by shifting our focus to actions we can take and away from things outside of our control.  When we worry about things we can’t change we feel disempowered and victimized, which is a surefire way to kill success before it can ever begin.

4.    Dig in and tough it out.  Dealing with stress, even in a positive way, is not always easy, because stress and challenges often go hand-in-hand.  This can cause some difficult times.  However, as we all know the only way to deal with them is to get through them.  In order to do this, it takes dedication and tenacity, which also happen to be the two requirements for success.  So is possible and realistic to turn stress into success.

As much as we hate the idea of it, stress is not necessarily a bad thing, but we have to approach it objectively and remember that stress is a feeling; not an emotion.  Our feelings are how we choose to react to our emotions, so how we react to stress is completely up to us.  Instead of feeling anxious, upset or exacerbated, let’s choose to feel empowered by turning stress into success with these four steps.

 

  

 

 

I’m always excited to hear from you, so please email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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